LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i legislators ended this year’s session with $51.9 million approved for capital improvement projects across the island. “It’s money that we allocated that we fought hard for to make improvements for our infrastructure,” said Rep. Derek Kawakami, D-14th
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i legislators ended this year’s session with $51.9 million approved for capital improvement projects across the island.
“It’s money that we allocated that we fought hard for to make improvements for our infrastructure,” said Rep. Derek Kawakami, D-14th District.
Rep. Dee Morikawa, D-16th District, said the projects were the priorities of the Kaua‘i delegation.
The largest amount of funding, $39.6 million, was for many highway improvements throughout Kaua‘i. These improvements will address aging infrastructure, improve existing operations, establish additional safety measures, and mitigate the effects of traffic constrictions, according to a House news release.
“Kaua‘i legislators worked really hard for the much-needed CIP funding for the island of Kaua‘i,” said Rep. Jimmy Tokioka, D-15th District.
In the last seven years, the highway infrastructure on Kaua‘i has been built with concrete, which lasts twice as long, according to Tokioka.
Kawakami said one of the top priorities for the district he represents, from Kapa‘a to Ha‘ena, was to improve schools.
“We took a look at Kilauea School, worked with the principal and also members of the community,” he said.
About $1.5 million will allow the relocation of the school’s administrative offices to the school’s old cafeteria, freeing the current offices to increase classroom size, he said.
The funding for a commercial kitchen at Waipa will allow farmers to bring their produce and create value added products, according to Kawakami.
“It means a lot besides just being a dollar sign,” he said of the CIP funds. “The multiplier effect when we get money from the state is exponential, meaning that every dollar spent gets multiplied as it’s spread throughout the community.”
The next step, Kawakami said, is Gov. Neil Abercrombie signing the release of the various funds.
According to county of Kaua‘i CIP manager Keith Suga, none of these projects will require a county match in funding.
Here are the highlights of the CIP funding for Kaua‘i:
Highways
• $27.5 million for the rehabilitation or replacement of Hanapepe River Bridge along Kaumuali‘i Highway.
• $5.9 million for construction of various improvements to existing intersections and highway facilities to improve traffic operations.
• $2.4 million to stabilize sloping conditions at Lumahai Hillside.
• $1.2 million for the rehabilitation or replacement of Kapaia Stream Bridge along Kuhio Highway.
Kilauea Elementary School
• $1.5 million for the renovation of Building B for administrative services.
• $1.3 million for the upgrade and installation of waterlines for fire protection sprinklers.
Water Systems
• $1 million for the improvements to the upper and lower Aahoaka Reservoirs.
Miscellaneous
• $2.7 million for improvements to the Camp 10 access bridges connecting Koke‘e State Park to the Na Pali Kona Forest Reserve.
• $2.5 million in matching state funds for the construction of improvements at the Federal Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor.
• $1 million for the repair and reinforcement of the Hanalei River breach.
• $1 million for the resurfacing of the Mana Drag Racing Strip.
• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0452 or lazambuja@ thegardenisland.com.
